Gemotions

"Just a little corner," Mrs. Rodriguez said, her voice lilting. She was holding a tray of cookies as she stood on my porch. I didn't open the door right away. I hesitated, peering through the blinds.

"I just thought… you know, some herbs," she continued, her smile unwavering. The smell of cinnamon wafted towards me through the screen.

I finally cracked the door, a sliver of space. I found my throat was tight. Her garden plan was harmless enough, but something about the idea made me feel… off-balance. I glanced towards the small yard. It suddenly seemed less mine. The notion of her presence, of her activity, in that small space, made me feel a sense of… something unwelcome.

"I'll have to think about it," I managed, my voice sounding distant even to my own ears. As I closed the door, I leaned against it, my heart thumping.